Grain puffing apparatus



oct. 11, 193s.' P; KIEM 2,132,987

GRAIN PUFFING APPARATUS Filed Deo. 16, 1935 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 ATTORNEYS,

Oct. 11, 1938. F, P, KlEwl-r 2,132,987

GRAIN PUFFING APPARATUS Filed Dec. 16,1935 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 ATTORNEYS.

oct. 11, 1938.

F. P. Ku-:wlr

GRAIN YPUFFING APPARATUS Filed Dec. 16, 1935 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR,

ATTORNEYS.

Oct. 11, 1938. F. P. KlEwlT GRAIN PUFFING APPARATUS Filed Dec. 16. 1935 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR ATTORNEYS.

Patented oct. 11, 1938 `UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 13 Claims.

This invention relates to grain pulling apparatus and has for a primary object, the provision of novel, eilicient and unique structure in such apparatus as will render the same strong, effective, easy to operate and capable of producing a quality product.

One important object of this invention is to provide grain puffing apparatus having means for damping the movement of the lid of the gun of the apparatus in a fashion that will obviate impacts, strains and'destructive racking of the entire assembly.

A yet further aim of the present'nvention is the provision of effective mounting means for a tiltable gun forming a part of grain puffing apparatus, which mounting means will be effective in absorbing shocks andwill serve as means for yieldably maintaining the gun in a predetermined operative position.

Another object of this invention is to provide a tiltable gun for grain pumng apparatus which has an agitator for the grain being treated therein, which agitator is provided with means independent of the gun for rotating the agitator, that is continuously in engagement with the agitator as the gun of the apparatus is tilted.

A still further object of the present invention is the lprovision of grain puffing apparatus that comprises a combination of parts which contribute to the endl of economically and eiiciently producing puffed grain of high and desirable quality.

A large number of minor objects of the invention will appear during the course of the following specication, referring to the accompanying rawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a. rear elevation of grain pufling apparatus made in accordance with the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a side elevation of the apparatus shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 isa similar elevation, with parts being broken away for the purpose of clearly illustrating the gun of the apparatus in a tilted position.

Fig. 4 is a front, end elevation of the gun per se.

Fig. 5 is a vertical, longitudinal, central, sec tional view through the gun and dashpOt Structure of the apparatus. A

Fig. 6 is a cross sectional view, takenon line VI-VI of Fig. 5.

Fig- 7 is a similar sectional view, taken on line VII-VII of Fig. 5.

Fig. 8 is a vertical cross section, taken along.

:line VIlI-VIII of Fig. 2, and

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary, detailed, sectional view through one trunnion which supports vthe gun and showing the manner of introducing steam therethrough.

It is well known that apparatus which has heretofore been employed in puilng starch-containing grains or materials has subjected itself to self-destruction because of impacts and recoils cre-ated when the lid of the gun is opened so as to quickly reduce the pressure in the gun. Grain pulling apparatus contemplated by this invention may be embodied in such structure as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and while the 'parts constituting the entire assembly should be strongly constructed, it is to be remembered that certain groups of elements shown in the preferred type of apparatus might well be incorporated in grain puffing machines having characteristics other than those shown.

Suitable strong and rigid framework must be provided and this framework might Well consist of a base I2, having a shaftv I4 mounted thereon and journalled in bearings I6, disposed on top of base I2. A pair of opposed rocker beams I8 are mounted upon shaft I4 so as to extend above and below the shaft and tilt about the axis thereof. Both beams I8 may have bearings 20 integral "therewith and shaft I4 should be journalled in these bearings. The upper ends of beams I8 tiltably support gun 22 in a manner more fully hereinafter set down, and the lower ends 0f these beams I8 are connected by a tie rod 24 which join the same and which, in turn, has connection with one end of a threaded bar 26. This bar 26 passes loosely through an opening 28 formed in cross head 30 that is rigid with base I2.

A pair of springs 32 in the nature of coil 0r helical springs are threaded upon bar 26, one on each side of cross head 30. The proximal ends of springs 32 engage each side respectively of cross head 30 and' the outer or remote ends of these springs 32 are in engagement with a washer 34, behindiwhich ispositioned a nut* 36 which is in screw-threaded engagement with bar 26 for the purpose of varying the tension of springs 32. Ob-

viously, as beams I8 rock about the axis of shaftA f in gun 22. This agitator comprises a series of radially extending blades 48, all mounted upon an and casting 56, which is secured to shaft 46, and an expansible ring 52 located intermediate the ends of blades 48 so as to hold the same in spaced relation and against the inner annular surface of gun 22. v

Gun l2 2 is provided with a pair of diametrically opposed trunnions 54 that are journalled in the upper ends 'respectively of rocker beams |8. These trunnions are disposed intermediate the ends of gun 22 and their axis substantially intersectsV the longitudinal central axis of gun 22. 'Iilting of gun 22 about the axis of trunnions 54 permits discharging and loading in a. manner well known in the art.

It is desired to continuously rotatethe agitator during the operation of the gun -in the production of puffed grains, and novel means is herein provided for such continuous operation. Shaft 46 has a'gear 56 mounted thereon that is in engagement with worm gear 58 which is carried by a shaft 66, journalled in bearings 62 that are mounted upon the end of gun 22. 'Ihis shaft 66 is in connection with an intermediate shaft 64 through the medium of a universal joint 66, and shaft 64 in turn is connected with a shaft 68 through the medium of another universal joint 16. Shaft 68 is journalled in bearings 12 that are mounted upon a framework 14 and a pulley 16 is keyed to shaft 68, as illustrated in Fig. 1. A motor 18 which sits upon a shelf 86, carried by framework 14, is in connection with pulley wheel 16 through the medium of the motor pulley 82 and belt 84. When gun 22 is tilted about the axis of trunnions 54, the driving force exerted through the parts just mentioned from motor to agitator will continue to be transmitted to the agitator within the gun. When the gun is tilted to the maximum degree, as illustrated in Fig. 3, 'universal joints 66 and 16 will compensate for the angularity and shaft 68 will slide longitudinally in bearings 12 so as to lend the required length to theshaft assembly.

When gun 22 is tilted toI the desired angle, or when it is to beheld horizontally, arm 86, having a longitudinal slot 88 formed therein, will contribute` toward rigidly maintaining the gun inplace.

Arm 86 has a bearing 96 at one end thereof that engages tie rod 24 and arm 86 is free to move about the axis of rod 24. A threaded stub shaft 92, rigidly mounted upon gun 22 near one end, rides along slot 88 and clamp 94, in threaded engagement with stub shaft 92, is manipulated to frictionally engage arm 86.

A gas burner 96, mounted upon gun 22 by brackets 98, furnishes means for heating the gun casing and suitable hose or pipe yconnection |60, with a source of fuel supply, is shown in fragmentary manner.

Lid 46 is hingedly mounted upon one end o f gun 22 by lever |62. This lever bears the general form of a bell crank lever, one arm of which supports lid 46 through the medium of a plurality of bolts. Central bolt |64 isv in screw-threaded engagement with one arm of lever |62 and bears gun. Lever |62 is pivotally secured to ears ||2 by pin ||4 and ears ||2 are rigid to gun 22. While one end of bell crank lever |62 is so mounted, the other end is releasably engaged by a latch,

This latchcomprises a pair of links H6, pivotally mounted upon an ear ||8 by pin |26, and carrying an ecentrically mounted shaft |22 which directly engages the end of lever |62. A bracket |24 is integral with shaft |22 and moving said bracket about the axis of that portion of shaft |22 which is journalled in links ||6 will tighten or release the lid.

Exceptionallyv great force is exerted upon lid 46 when it swings open about the axis of pin ||4 and to dampen the opening movement and, subsequently, the rebounding movement, a unique bufiing structure is provided. A cylinder |26, provided with a plurality of ports |28, is mounted upon gun 22. The mounting of this cylinder should be such as to permit swinging and ears |36 are in this instance employed to support a pin |32 which pivotally engages cylinder |26. This cylinder has a pet cock |34 adjacent its forward end and a pet cock |36 adjacent its opposite end. Piston rod |38 is in connection with a piston |46 which is reciprocably mounted within cylinder |26 and connects piston |46 with lever |62. The point of connection is a pivotalone and pin |42 serves asvthe medium of joining lever |62 to piston rod |38.

A stuiiing box |44 insures that piston rod |38 will move within cylinder |26 Without leakage. The width of piston |46 is substantially less than the distance between ports |28 and the ends 0f cylinder |26 so that as lid 46 is driven open, piston |46, traveling in cylinder |26, will serve to dampen the opening movement. Obviously, pet cock |34 is closed and a partial vacuum is created behind piston |46. With pet cock |36 partially closed, the air will be compressed in that end of cylinder |26 and as lid 46 rebounds'toward the closed position, piston dampen that movement in a similar manner.

It is notatble that as the movement of lid 46 occurs, cylinder |26 will move about the axis of pin |32 and a complete damping action will take place to effectively and safelybring to rest lid 46.

The introduction of superheated steam into gun 22 takes place through the employment of pipe |46 which enters one end of gun 22 and which is connected to the main steam line |48 throughv one trunnion 54, as detailed in Fig. 9. A valve |56 is interposed in line |48 to cut oi the steam during the loading of gun 22.

Theoperation of this grain puing apparatus has been made clear during the course of the foregoing specication and since the art has been highly developed with respect to the action which takes place when pung starch-containing grains, itwill be obvious to one skilled in the art that the pung apparatus herein illustrated and described is capable of highly eicient operation.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is 1. In grain puiiing apparatus of the character described, a gun; a lid for one end of the gun; a dashpot having its axis substantially parallel to the axis of the gun, mounted on the gun for damping the movement of the lid; and connections between the dashpot and lid.

2. In a grain puffing apparatus of the charac- |46 will serve to` ter described, a gun; a lid hingedly mounted on the gun for closing one end thereof a dashpot pivotally mounted on the gun for damping the movement ofthe lid; and connections between the dashpot and lid.

,-3. In a grain pumng apparatus of the character described,l a gun; a lid hingedly mounted on the gun for closing one end thereof a dashpot pivotally mounted on the Igun for damping the movement of the lid; and connections between the dashpot and lid, said dashpot being construct- 'ed to dampen the movement of the lid during its movement both from and toward thev closed position respectively.

4. In a grain pulling apparatus of thecharacter described, a gun; a lid hingedly` mounted on the gun for closing one endthereof; a dashpot pivotally mounted on the gun for damping v the movement of the lid; connections between the dashpot and lid; and a latchto hold the lid closed, said dashpot being constructed to dampen the movement of the lid during its movement from the closed position and to also dampen the movement of the lid through the path thereof during rebounding.

5. In grain puffing apparatus of the character.

described, a gun; a lid for closing one end ofthe gun; a cylinder having ports formed through the side wall intermediate the ends thereof; a piston reciprocably mounted in the cylinder; a piston rod extending longitudinally from the piston and cylinder; and a link in the form of abell crank lever interconnecting said lid, gun and piston r'od to hingedly mount the lid and cause damping of the opening and rebounding movements of Athe lid -by thev said piston and cylinder.'

6. In grain pumng apparatus of the character described. a gun; a lid for closing one end of the gun; a cylinder having ports formed through its side wall intermediate the ends thereof; a piston reciprocably mounted in the cylinder having a width appreclably less than the distance from the said ports to the respective ends of the cylinder;-

a piston rod extending from the piston to a point adjacent the lid; and a link in the form of a bell crank lever interconnecting said lid, gun and piston rod, said lid being rigid with one arm of said lever, the other arm of the lever having piv- 1. otal connection with the gun, said piston rod being pivotally connected to the said link at the zone of convergence of said arms.

7. In grain pulling apparatus ofthe character described, a gun; a lid for closing one end of the gun; a cylinder having ports formed through its vside wall intermediate the ends thereof; apiston reciprocably mounted in the cylinder having a width appreciably less than the distance from the said ports to the respective ends ofthe cylinder; a piston rod extending from the piston to a point adjacent the lid; and a link in the form of a bell crank lever interconnecting said lid, gun and piston rod, said lid being rigid with one arm of said lever, the other arm of the lever having pivotal connection with the gun, said piston rod being pivotally connected to the said link at the zone of convergence oi? said arms, said gun having a latch structure mounted thereon for releasably engaging the lid-supporting arm of the link. y

8. VIn grain puffing apparatus of the character described. agun; a lid hingedly mounted on the gun for closing one end thereof; a cylinder having its longitudinal axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the gun, pivotally moimted on thev side of the gun'in spaced relation to the said lid; a piston reciprocably mounted in the cylinder; a piston rod extending longitudinally from the cylinder to a point adjacent the said lid; and a link joining said lid and piston rod.

9. In grain puffing apparatus-of the character described, a` gun; a lid hingedly mounted on the gun for closingone end thereof; a cylinder having its longitudinal axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the gun, pivotally mounted on the .side of the gun in spaced relation to the said lid; .a piston reciprocably mounted in the cylinder; a piston rod extending longitudinally from-the cylinder to a point adjacent the said lid; and a link joining said lid and piston rod, `said' link serving also as means for hingedly mounting the lid on the gun.

10. Grain pumng apparatus of the character interconnecting the motor and agitator for rotating the same as the gun is being tilted.

1 2. Grain pulling apparatus of the character described comprising a supporting framework; a

.gun tiltably Amounted on the framework intermediate the ends of the gun for movement about van axis extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of theV gun; means for securing the gun in a stationary position; heating means for the gun; an agitator rotatably mounted within the gun;

described comprising a supporting framework; a

means independent of the gun, continuously. in

engagement with, and for rotating said agitator as the gun is being tilted; and means for injecting steam into the said gun while being heated by the heating means and as the gun is being tilted 13. Grain puiiing apparatus of a unitary nature comprising a gun, a lid for one end of the gun, an agitator rotatably mounted within the 81m. and buiiing structure to dampen the movement of the door during its opening and rebounding movements all mounted for tilting movement about a common axis; means for securing the said aforementioned unitary structure against movement about the said common'axis; means independent of the gun, continuously in engagement with, and for rotating thesaid agitator; means for heating the exterior surface of the gun as it is tilted; and means for injecting superheated steam into the gun to heat the interior thereof and act upon the grain during treatment thereof as the gun is being tilted and as the'grain is being agitated when the gun is held stationary by the means for securing the unitary structure against movement.

f FREDERICK P. KIIWI'I. 

